3 keys revisited after the Bears dominate the Lions 34-22

The Bears got over the hump in a big way Sunday, beating the Lions 34-22 to end their NFC North losing streak at 10 games. For the fifth time this season, Matt Nagy’s team never trailed, improving to 6-3 and retaining possession of first place in the NFC North. Here’s a look at our three keys for Sunday’s game with pregame analysis and postgame insight.

1. Return of the Mack.

Pregame analysis: The Bears managed Khalil Mack’s recovery from a sprained right ankle wisely, winning both games they played without him by a combined score of 65-19. A proud and stingy defense sparked both victories and served notice that this is not a one-man show. But if the Bears want to make a serious run at securing a playoff berth for the first time in eight seasons, they are going to need Mack to be an impact playmaker over the final eight games. That starts Sunday against vulnerable Lions right tackle Rick Wagner, a mismatch Mack should exploit. And if the Lions opt to give Wagner substantial help, opportunities should open up for others on the Bears defense. Nagy calls Mack “a multiplier,” impressed with the way he elevates others around him. On Sunday, the Bears should get a reminder of Mack’s value.

Postgame recap: This is why the Bears were cautious with Mack, sitting him against two relatively weak opponents. In a crucial division game, Mack came back as powerful and explosive as the Bears hoped. He had two sacks and was stout on the edge against the run. “It was cool, man,” Mack said. “But it was better to come and get a win. Yeah, yeah. That’s all it’s about.” Mack beat Wagner for his first sack, using a bull rush to get to Stafford at the top of his drop on a first down in the third quarter. His second sack was one for the highlight reel. Well, not Taylor Decker’s reel. The Lions left tackle got steamrolled. Ultimately, Mack lifted the defense like he did in September. Six sacks and three takeaways helped the Bears stay in control from start to finish.

Photos from the Bears' 34-22 win over the Lions on Nov. 11, 2018, at Soldier Field.

(Nuccio DiNuzzo and John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

2. Ground and pound.

Pregame analysis: It would be foolish to expect Nagy to ditch his pass-heavy offense down the stretch of this season, turning the Bears into a run-reliant attack. But on certain Sundays over the final two months, the rookie coach should recognize where his offense’s greatest advantages lie. This week, the Bears face a Lions defense that ranks 30th in rushing yards allowed per game (142.5) and 31st in rushing yards allowed per play (5.1). Five opposing running backs — Isaiah Crowell, Matt Breida, Ezekiel Elliott, Kenyan Drake and Dalvin Cook — have gotten out of the gates for runs longer than 40 yards. The Bears should have chances to set up Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen for success. It will require help from the offensive line and a commitment to the running game in the play-calling.

Postgame recap: You wouldn’t have known the Lions’ pitiful ranking based on this performance. Howard and Cohen combined for 36 yards on 18 carries. No wonder Nagy was sour about it afterward when asked about the running game. “Not good,” he said. “Nope. Not good enough. Right now we need to figure something out there.” Nagy would not single out the backs or the offensive line. Instead, he cited a collective failure that includes coaches and scheme. “We need to get better there,” he said “Fortunately, we were able to get out of here with the win. We felt comfortable throwing the football. But as … the weather gets a little nastier, we need to be able to run the football. It’s plain and simple.”

3. Something special.

Pregame analysis: Lions coach Matt Patricia called his move to fire special teams coordinator Joe Marciano “necessary,” a significant change this week that leaves the Lions shuffling on the fly. Through eight games, the Lions’ special teams have been erratic, particularly in punt coverage, allowing a league-worst 20.6 yards per return. The Lions also have committed 15 special teams penalties. Translation: The Bears should have chances to swing the game in the third phase. And Cohen, who set up a short-field touchdown drive with a 36-yard punt return Sunday against the Bills, should be looking for his openings. Cohen’s 12.4 yards-per-return average ranks second in the NFC and positions him for potential Pro Bowl consideration.

Postgame recap: The third phase was, in fact, something the Bears had to overcome. Cody Parkey hit the upright on four kicks — two field goals and two extra points — for a disastrous day for the ages, regardless of the final score. Nagy acknowledged changing his thinking midgame because of Parkey’s struggles, although he reiterated his trust in Parkey overall. Anthony Miller played two onside kicks poorly, drawing a penalty on one for illegal batting and then taking a passive approach to one the Lions recovered on the ensuing rekick. Taquan Mizzell muffed a catch on a kickoff return. There's a lot of work for special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, whose unit can’t afford to continue such sloppiness against better competition.